MANTUA TWP., N.J. (WPVI) — Police in Mantua Township have arrested a husband and wife in connection with a child sexual assault investigation.
Michael Brown, 46, and his wife, Valerie Brown, 44, were both taken into custody on Wednesday after the victim reported the alleged assaults to police.
Investigators say the abuse occurred between 2018 and 2020, beginning when the victim was 13 years old.
Court documents allege the assaults started as touching and escalated. Authorities say Michael Brown would pick up the victim from school and take her to a hotel, where she was sexually assaulted. The victim said the assaults happened at the motel and in areas of Mantua and Woodbury.
According to the criminal complaint, Valerie Brown was aware that her husband was bringing the victim to the motel. Authorities have not disclosed how the suspects knew the victim.
Michael Brown is charged with second-degree sexual assault of a minor between ages 13 and 16, third-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact.
Valerie Brown is charged with third-degree endangering the welfare of a child and tampering with evidence.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Corporal Jeff Krieger at [email protected].
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